Tube Staff Turn Stations into Blooming Beauties in TfL’s Annual Green-Off
Transport for London (TfL) has crowned the champions of its yearly “In Bloom” contest, where staff across the capital transform dreary stations, depots, and offices into lush oases bursting with flowers, fruits, veggies, and air-purifying greenery. The competition champions the Mayor’s green goals, blending sustainability with a splash of colour to lift spirits for millions of Londoners and visitors alike.
Century-Old Competition Goes Greener Than Ever
The “In Bloom” battle dates back to 1910, started by the District Railway. This year, more than 60 dazzling entries stretched from West Croydon to Croxley and Upminster to West Ruislip, spotlighting eco-friendly creativity across TfL’s network.
Top Gardeners Show Off London’s Greener Future
Northwick Park Underground took home the coveted “Gardens of The Future” title with a clever display of edible and sustainable plants, proving you can have a green thumb even in tight spaces.
But Upminster Depot stole the show, nabbing both the “Best in Show” and “Best Newcomer” for transforming a forgotten patch into a wildflower meadow complete with a relaxing seating area and artistic flourishes on portacabin walls.
Other Blooming Brilliant Winners
- Hainault Train Crew Accommodation: Won the John Knight Award for the best tubs and hanging baskets at their welcoming office entrance.
- Morden Underground Station: Scooped the “Fruits and Vegetables Award” with pineapples, lemons, and limes flourishing underground.
- South Tottenham Overground Station: Took the “Cultivated Gardens” (station) prize for expanding garden space and engaging local schools and seniors.
- Hammersmith Service Control Centre: Won the “Cultivated Gardens” (depot) category with a tree library where staff can sponsor and borrow trees.
- Abrams House, High Barnet: Claimed the “Indoor Gardens” crown for their “plant hospital” bringing wilting plants back to life in a dim office.
- Sue Buck: Snagged the “Art in Bloom Award” with a stunning multimedia canvas imagining “flowers of the future.”
- Neasden Depot: Named “Best Seasoned Entry” thanks to a new irrigation system and gladioli gardens.
- Ruislip Depot: Took the “Environment Award” for turning salvaged lawn chairs into planter displays.
- Willesden Junction Underground: Won the “Sandra Wilkes Community Award” for colourful community gardens packed with fruit trees and pollinator plants.
TfL’s Greener Vision: More Than Just Pretty Flowers
Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, hammered home the climate message:
“Climate change is a very real threat to all of us, and this year’s In Bloom competition had sustainability firmly at its core. The winners truly harnessed this message, creating unique and beautiful gardens which will brighten Londoners’ journeys while reminding us of the importance of looking after our planet.”
TfL’s Customer Director Emma Strain added, “These gardens don’t just brighten our local communities and passengers’ days — they actively help fight climate change.”
More than a third of TfL’s 6,000-acre estate bustles with wildlife and greenery, hosting over 1,000 animal species and nearly 700 plants. Beyond these gardens, TfL is pushing energy-efficient tech like LED lighting and ramping up wildflower verges and tree planting drives citywide.
By 2030, TfL aims to power everything with 100% renewable electricity — cementing London’s status as a trailblazing National Park City.
A Blooming Legacy for London’s Future
With this competition flourishing year after year, TfL’s “In Bloom” proves that a little horticultural elbow grease can brighten journeys, unite communities, and sow seeds for a greener, cleaner London.
